'I met my personal objectives' - Nigerian-Spanish striker Samu reflects on his season at FC Porto

The Nigeria-Spanish forward joined Porto from Atletico Madrid last season and immediately hit the ground running.

He scored 25 goals in all competitions for Porto and helped his team finish third in the Portuguese League.

Following his debut season in Portugal with FC Porto, Samu reflected on the year both personally and collectively in an interview with El Periodico, via Abola.

"It was my first year at a very demanding club, and I believe I met my personal objectives. Collectively, things didn't go as well, and we hope to rectify that at the Club World Cup.

"It's tough for a young player like me, with only two years of professional experience, but these are the things in football that help me learn and grow.

"I try to be a sponge because everything I learn now will help shape me as a player and a person," the 21-year-old Porto striker emphasised.

His relationship with his mother, which he has highlighted in several interviews, was also mentioned to the Spanish publication.

Samu explained his decision to switch the surname he wants to be known by (from Omorodion to Aghehowa): "I changed it to my mother's because she gave us life and risked her own for us.

"She gave everything so that my sister and I could have the best possible life. She deserves everything, and I hope to achieve great things so that her last name is widely recognised."

The young forward also noted that Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, two of Spain's key players, have been instrumental in his integration into the national team: "We've known each other all our lives.

"I'm grateful for how they've helped me settle into the group. They have more experience here, and it's a privilege for someone like me to be with them."

He believes that the 17-year-old Barcelona star would be a deserving Ballon d'Or winner after his brilliant season with the Catalan club: "I think he deserves it, and I hope he wins it, but he's in no rush; he'll win everything he wants. He's gifted."